Bullied Australian boy Quaden Bayles marched rugby league side the Indigenous All Stars onto the pitch late Saturday night.
The boy walked the players out to the sounds of a didgeridoo, drums and cheers, while holding a teammate's hand.
Bayles, who lives with dwarfism, captured the world's attention after a heartbreaking video of the nine-year-old boy crying in his mother's car went viral.
The Indigenous All Stars saw the distressing video and posted a message of support to the indigenous schoolboy, asking him to lead the team out at Gold Coast's Cbus Super Stadium.
Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell posted the invitation in a video.
"Hey Quaden, how are you going cuz?" Mitchell said. "We just want to wish you all the best, brother. We know you are going through a hard time now, but the boys are here to support you.
"We've got your back and just want to make sure that you are doing alright, make sure that your mum is on your side, we're on your side.
"Just make sure you are thinking the right things, bud, because we want you around. We want you to lead us out on the weekend."
NRL posted the footage of Quaden walking the team out, on their Twitter page. It has gained more than 303,000 views.
People have praised the NRL for their invitation.
"How beautiful! Well done to you all," said one person.
Another wrote, "Good one NRL. That poor kid deserves a smile."
The New Zealand Māori defeated the Indigenous All Stars, but Quaden was able to get the best view of the game, sitting pitchside.